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About this concert
8:00 PM CDT21 Going
In the 1960s, Freedom Rider activists challenged racial segregation in the Southern United States. With reverence for their courage and struggle, this groundbreaking international jazz collective features a new generation of artists and composers who continue in the tradition of providing a soundtrack to the global civil rights movement. Joined by esteemed vocalists Kurt Elling and Lizz Wright, the Freedom Riders band offers vital inspiration through music that unites audiences with the energy and spirit of shared humanity.
Freedom Riders is a project of NYC Winter JazzFest.
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Artist bio
Through an inimitable voice that The New York Times touts as, “a smooth, dark alto possessed of qualities you might associate with barrel-aged bourbon or butter-soft leather,” acclaimed vocalist and songwriter Lizz Wright sings with a soaring reflection of the cultural fabric of America. Wright is one of the great modern American singers with an illustrious 20-year career transcending social divides with her offer of love and deep sense of humanity.
At the age of 22, Wright first made a name for herself nationally as a vocalist with a touring concert tribute to Billie Holiday. At 23, she signed with Verve Records for the 2003 release of her debut album, Salt, which topped Billboard’s contemporary jazz charts. She went on to record for Universal Music Group and released the albums Dreaming Wide Awake (2005), The Orchard (2008), and Fellowship (2010). On Concord, Wright released Freedom & Surrender (2016) – featuring the single “Lean In,” which landed on President Obama’s Summer 2016 playlist – and Grace (2017).
Wright launched her own independent record company, Blues & Greens Records (LINK), with the June 2022 release of Holding Space, a brilliant live album (produced by Christian Ulbrich) capturing a Berlin, Germany concert in 2018. In 2024, Wright released her studio debut album, Shadow, produced by Chris Bruce and executive produced by Lizz Wright on Blues & Greens Records (with licensing/distribution through Lightyear Entertainment/Virgin Music). Wright pens five originals as she celebrates the intimacy of romantic love, loss, community, and healing.
Read MoreAt the age of 22, Wright first made a name for herself nationally as a vocalist with a touring concert tribute to Billie Holiday. At 23, she signed with Verve Records for the 2003 release of her debut album, Salt, which topped Billboard’s contemporary jazz charts. She went on to record for Universal Music Group and released the albums Dreaming Wide Awake (2005), The Orchard (2008), and Fellowship (2010). On Concord, Wright released Freedom & Surrender (2016) – featuring the single “Lean In,” which landed on President Obama’s Summer 2016 playlist – and Grace (2017).
Wright launched her own independent record company, Blues & Greens Records (LINK), with the June 2022 release of Holding Space, a brilliant live album (produced by Christian Ulbrich) capturing a Berlin, Germany concert in 2018. In 2024, Wright released her studio debut album, Shadow, produced by Chris Bruce and executive produced by Lizz Wright on Blues & Greens Records (with licensing/distribution through Lightyear Entertainment/Virgin Music). Wright pens five originals as she celebrates the intimacy of romantic love, loss, community, and healing.
Genres:Jazz
Band Members: Lizz Wright
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Live Photos of Lizz Wright






What fans are saying
Outstanding, matched by her awesome band.! Her soulfulness second to none. Hints of Nina Simone’s husky alto. A wonderful interpreter both in the contemplative and funked out modes. Jazz, gospel and in between in good hands. I’ll see her anytime!
Aug 11, 2025·New York City, NY

Rafael

